January 21, 2025
Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin, and Martyr Saint Paul reminds the early church of God’s covenant with Abraham. God promises Abraham, “I will indeed bless you and multiply you.” Through faith and perseverance, Abraham’s promise is fulfilled. The apostle reminds those who are working in their faith communities that God will remember their works. We […]
January 20, 2025
There is much to be learned in today’s first reading. During our celebrations of Eucharist, when the readings or prayers mentioned Melchizedek, I often wondered about him. First appearing in Genesis, he is identified as the king of Salem, ancient Jerusalem. He was honored by Abraham as a priest of the Most High God. The […]
January 19, 2025
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Superstitions and beliefs abound regarding weddings. On the day of our wedding, the dresses were to be delivered to the church at 5:00 PM but ended up being delivered at 10:00 AM. The Sisters at the parish convent graciously held onto them. Their good deed was rewarded with an invitation […]
January 18, 2025
The word of God is a double-edged sword. Sometimes following Christ is easy; other times, it is truly difficult. Jesus expects much from those who follow Him. So, ponder this…. Will there ever be a time when we will witness peace instead of brother against brother, sister against sister, mother against mother, religion against religion? […]
January 17, 2025
In today’s Gospel, we read of a large crowd who gathered to hear Jesus. No doubt many of them came from a distance when they heard Jesus was in Capernaum. They had come because they hoped to hear the message of Jesus, or perhaps they hoped for a cure. The four men carrying the paralytic […]
January 16, 2025
“If you wish, you can make me clean,” a leper begs, down on his knees in front of Jesus, for a cure for his dreaded leprosy disease. Moved with pity, Jesus responds, “I do will it. Be made clean.” The man’s body is cleansed by his fervent act of faith, and he goes out and […]
January 15, 2025
Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Jesus prayed—often. We see him praying before all the important moments in his life. Most striking, perhaps, was his need to pray for 40 days before beginning his public ministry. We see him today praying before launching his […]
January 14, 2025
“…What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man that you care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor, subjecting all things under his feet…” (Hebrews 2:6-8) Who are we for our Lord to humble himself, living […]
January 13, 2025
In Mark 1:14-20, we witness the calling of the first disciples as Jesus invites them to follow Him, transforming their ordinary lives as fishermen into a mission of profound significance. This passage resonates deeply with the Eucharistic spirituality of Saint Peter Julian Eymard, who believed that the Eucharist is the source of our strength and […]
January 12, 2025
The Baptism of the Lord John the Baptist urged everyone to ritually cleanse themselves in preparation for the arrival of the long-awaited Christ. They would be ready for a new life by washing away their past. Jesus entered the Jordan River along with everyone else that day. They washed away their sins. He was anointed […]